The BMW 2006-6 Series is a sleek and sporty car that requires high-quality wheels and tires to perform at its best. In this article, we will take a closer look at the wheels and tires of the BMW 2006-6 Series, including their sizes, types, and recommended maintenance.
The BMW 2006-6 Series comes equipped with either 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, depending on the specific model and trim level. These wheels are made from high-quality materials such as aluminum alloy, which makes them both lightweight and durable. The design of the wheels is not only stylish but also functional, with features such as a larger surface area for better heat dissipation and improved handling.
When it comes to tires, the BMW 2006-6 Series is typically fitted with performance-oriented tires, designed to provide excellent grip and handling. The most common tire sizes for this car are 245/45R17 for the 17-inch wheels and 245/40R18 for the 18-inch wheels. However, it’s important to note that different models and trim levels may have different tire sizes, so it’s always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to ensure that you choose the right size and type of tire for your specific vehicle.
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only to the tire’s service life, but also to driving comfort and most importantly, driving safety.
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. This means after a maximum of 1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire inflation pressure increases.
⚠ Check the tire inflation pressure regularly and correct it as needed: at least twice a month and before starting long trips. If you fail to observe this precaution, you may be driving on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condition that can not only compromise your vehicle’s driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an accident.
▶ After correcting the inflation pressure(s), always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
Pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient temperature.
▶ The inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes and tire brands respectively approved and recommended by BMW; a list of these is available from your BMW center.
For correct identification of the right tire inflation pressure for your tires, observe the following:
- Tire sizes for your vehicle
- Load conditions
- Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pressures listed on the following pages in the column for traveling speeds up to a max. of 100 mph/160 km/h to achieve optimum driving comfort. These pressure specifications can be found on the door post when you open the driver’s door.
⚠ The permissible top speed for these tire inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire damage and accidents may result.
Tire inflation pressures for driving above 100 mph/160 km/h
⚠ In order to drive at maximum speeds in excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please note the tire pressures for speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h listed in the relevant column of the table on the following pages and adjust your tire inflation pressures as needed. Otherwise tire damage and accidents could occur.
Observe all national and local maximum speed limits, otherwise violations of the law could occur.
Tire inflation pressures for the 650i Coupe
Tire inflation pressures for the 650i Convertible
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT code:
Tire age
The tire’s date of manufacture is indicated on the sidewall: DOT … 3305 indicates that a tire was manufactured in week 33 of the year 2005. BMW recommends replacing all tires at least every 6 years, even if some tires may last for 10 years.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
⚠ All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half, 1γ, times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
⚠ The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
⚠ The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of the tire.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires. These have better winter properties than summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, signs of damage and foreign objects lodged in the tread, and check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not fall below 0.12 in/ 3 mm, although, for example, European legislation only specifies a minimum tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/3 mm, there is an increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of water are present on the road surface. Winter tires noticeably loose their suitability for winter use below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm. New tires should be mounted in the interest of safety.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer to arrow, are distributed over the tire’s circumference and are marked on the side of the tire with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread is worn down to the wear indicators, then the legally permissible tread depth limit of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels, tires and suspension parts to be more susceptible to road hazards and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This can, for example, be caused by driving over curbs. These kinds of problems may also be signaled by other changes in vehicle response, such as a strong tendency to pull to the left or right.
⚠ In these cases reduce your speed immediately and have the wheels and tires inspected immediately. To do this, carefully drive to the nearest BMW center or a specialized tire dealer that works in accordance with
BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained personnel. Have the vehicle towed to the repair shop if necessary. Tire damage can be extremely dangerous to vehicle occupants and other road users.
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of the tire. Run-flat tires consist of self-contained tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforcement ensures that the tire retains some residual safety in the event of pressure drop and driving remains possible to a restricted degree. For continued driving with damaged tires, refer to Indication of a flat tire.
New wheels and tires
⚠ Only have new wheels and tires mounted by a BMW center or a repair shop that works in accordance with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained personnel. If this work is performed inexpertly, there is a danger of damage and associated safety risks. Make sure that the new wheels are balanced.
Retreaded tires
⚠ BMW does not recommend the use of retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety may be reduced. Potentially substantial variations in the design and the age of the carcasses can result in a reduced service life.
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only wheel and tire combinations that BMW has tested and approved for your particular vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufacturing tolerances mean that even wheels and tires with identical official size ratings could actually have different dimensions than the approved units – these differences could lead to body contact, and with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-approved wheels and tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and therefore cannot be held liable for driving safety.
You can find out the right wheel-tire combination from your BMW center. The right wheel-and-tire combination is another vital factor in ensuring reliable operation of various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC. To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single tread configuration from a single manufacturer. After a tire is damaged, always remember to have the original wheel and tire combination remounted on the vehicle as soon as possible.
Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for each tire size. You can recognize these from the clearly visible BMW marking on the tire sidewall. With proper use, these tires meet the highest standards for safety and handling characteristics.
Run-flat tires
When installing new tires or when changing from summer tires to winter tires, for your own safety, use run-flat tires. No spare wheel is provided in the event of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to advise you.
⚠ For safety reasons, BMW recommends that you do not have damaged run-flat tires repaired; they should be replaced.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold winter driving conditions. Although all-season M+S tires provide better winter traction than summer tires, they generally fail to provide the same levels of cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Watch speed
⚠ Always observe the maximum permissible speed for the winter tires, otherwise tire damage may occur, which can result in accidents.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Always protect tires against all contact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains, classifies them as road-safe and recommends them. Consult your BMW center for more information. These snow chains are approved exclusively for use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
- 245/50 R 17 Y
- 245/45 R 18 Y
Follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions when installing snow chains. Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains installed.
▶ Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after installing snow chains as this could cause the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction. When you are driving with snow chains, it can be beneficial to switch off DTC briefly.